Post by : Rameen Ariff

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have signed a historic agreement to implement a ceasefire and facilitate the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This marks the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative aimed at ending the two-year-long war in Gaza, which has caused widespread destruction and displacement in the region.

Under the agreement, fighting between Israel and Hamas will immediately halt. Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas has committed to release all remaining 48 hostages captured during the initial attacks that sparked the conflict. The 20 living hostages are expected to be freed together 72 hours after the ceasefire begins, according to Khalil Al-Hayya, the exiled Hamas chief.

Hayya confirmed that Hamas has received guarantees from the United States, Arab mediators, and Turkey that the war in Gaza has come to a permanent end. He emphasized that the agreement also opens a key crossing with Egypt, allowing for humanitarian aid and movement of people.

In addition to releasing hostages, Israel has agreed to free 250 Palestinians serving long sentences and 1,700 others detained since the war erupted on October 7, 2023. The agreement also calls for the release of all jailed Palestinian women and children, a move praised by international observers as a step toward peace and reconciliation.

At the White House, President Donald Trump hailed the agreement, saying he believed it would pave the way for lasting peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East. Trump has been actively mediating the conflict, aiming to bring a resolution to the prolonged hostilities that have destabilized the region.

This Gaza ceasefire 2025 represents a significant breakthrough in Middle East diplomacy, offering hope to civilians who have endured two years of war. Observers note that successful implementation of the agreement could set a precedent for further peace talks and stability in the region.

#world news #Global News